Parachute

By Harleigh Rae

"Even when I have nothing left, I'll have everything I need." -Phoenix.

With her 10-year plan working out just the way she'd mapped it 6 years ago, Phoenix welcomed the life she'd crafted for herself. There seemed to be no rain threatening her sunshine, but as legend tells it, when it rains, it indeed pours. 

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Raevin& Co.
• Release date: Mar 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987738528

Harleigh Rae

Harleigh Rae resides in Baltimore, MD, a hidden oasis of art and culture. A millennial influenced by the 90's era that brought us some of the greatest love stories like Kinfolks, Blues Dancing, and Rooms of the Heart, she considers herself a culture-fed romantic. Gifted a copy of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye on her ninth birthday, the pages she read illuminated her mind with emotions. At that moment, she realized the healing power of literature. From that day on, she vowed to usher black women, much like herself with no prominent place in the world, into a place of loving, wholly. That mission stuck with her throughout her educational pursuits. It's what landed her at Coppin State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in African-American Studies. Her desire to have complete creative and executive control over her work fueled her pursuit of a Master's of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University. Since graduating her time has been divided between teaching Pre-K literacy, writing Black romance novels, and hand-making candles and teas that center an experience to readers of Black romance.As a Black romance author of over 15 books and an avid reader of the genre, she has cultivated a deep commitment to breaking literary boundaries and obliterating genre norms by telling stories that fuse romance and reality to demystify the stereotypes surrounding black love. An early oeuvre of love stories written as an ode to lover in you, her work speaks your deepest thoughts, fulfills your wildest fantasies, and echoes your quietest vibrations.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

Even when I have nothing left, I'll have everything I need. -Phoenix.

With her 10-year plan working out just the way she'd mapped it 6 years ago, Phoenix welcomed the life she'd crafted for herself. There seemed to be no rain threatening her sunshine, but as legend tells it, when it rains, it indeed pours.

At the peak of her professional success, she silently fights the most challenging battle she's ever been up against. But her parents were on to something when they named her Phoenix. No matter how many times she goes down, she rises. A series of unfortunate occurrences lands her in Solace Point, searching for a cure, yet, she gets a remedy by the name of Blaise instead.

Dr. Blaise Jones has acquired everything he'd planned for himself. Leaving no box unchecked, he journeys to Solace Point for the culmination of his medical accomplishments. With a corner office and a white coat, life couldn't be more perfect. But a welcome mixer sets his sights on the ideal distraction. She lit up her corner booth with enough fire to melt the ice that had subconsciously formed around his workaholic heart.

One late-night encounter at the town's premier coffee shop complicates the sole intentions of Phoenix and Blaise. Barriers are crossed, and vows are broken in this fight for life, love, and peace. A heart-warming romance that proves, one never really falls when they're in love with their soulmate.

CHAPTER ONE

7:35 a.m. Monday. The fall sun shined through the partially opened blinds of the single-paned window. As she sat on the examination table, the cool breeze from the vent over the table grazed her skin. Chill bumps formed with a slight ruffling of the fine hairs on her arms. There was no need to pull her sweater tightly around her body again because the repetitive nature of these visits had let her know what was to come next. Like a vampire with heightened sound, she turned her ear to the door, listening intently for the turning of the doorknob.

Five minutes had passed since she'd sat pressing her palms into the protective covering over the semi-comfortable, faux leather gurney-style table. Her eyes and ears hadn't relinquished the door yet, and she silently wished for an escape from the deafening silence. Four seconds later, the doctor and his team of residents marched in and introduced themselves. With not much enthusiasm, she shook each hand, not even attempting to put faces to names. She'd been through this every month. Shaking new hands, learning new names; only to do it all over again with not one new remedy to cure the chronic illness that threatened her very existence. With sore fingers and purple hands, she gave a nervous smile that signaled the lead doctor to commence.

Ms. Colleville. How’s it been going since our last check in?

In short, bad. Everything hurts. My pain levels are the worst, and I'm fatigued pretty much all the time. My appetite is pretty much non-existent and now my hair is falling out in chunks. My back pain has been unbearable since I last came, and the muscle relaxers and pain meds are not dulling it at all.

Okay, we’re going to do another blood test. I want to see what your kidneys are doing. In the meantime, I’m going to increase your Prednisone to 60mg twice a day and your Plaquenil to 400mg. So instead of the 200mg once a day, I want you to either take two tablets once a day or one tablet twice a day. Whichever one doesn’t make you too nauseous. Call Kris in about two weeks to let us know if that improves your pain and inflammation.

After Dr. Crane had examined her joints and checked her vitals a second time, he was at his computer. Sound used to soothe her heart, but the sharp tapping of the doctor’s fingers against the keyboard pierced her ears. She was in constant agony not being able to manage her pain. The fact that she couldn’t predict how she’d feel from one day to the next was the most frustrating thing about the entire ordeal. Making plans and having a schedule were now obsolete in her new normal where nothing was normal at all.

Okay. I'll start the increased dosage today when I take my morning meds.

Do you need any refills?

Yes. On both, Phoenix paused. With a deep breath, she finally asked the question that was burning a hole in her brain. Dr. Crane, do you have any idea when I can get back to work? Being home is driving me crazy.

"I don't want to release you for work until we have your treatment plan solidified. You've already gone into psychosis more than twice and had a heart scare. I'm not sure being in that hectic work environment is conducive right now. But know that I'll use all my resources and expertise to get you back in front of that camera.

Have you thought anymore about reaching out to the therapist I recommended? He can give you some resources for support groups and help you find ways to occupy your time while you’re at home."

I’ve seen Dr. Reveres twice. He gave me the information for a support group and prescribed me a mood stabilizer. The support group really wasn’t my scene and none of the patients were my demographic. They were all much older and had lived their lives. I started the stabilizers but hated how they made me feel. So, I’ve just been seeing him for talk therapy. But the sooner I can get back to work full-time the better. My work keeps me grounded. I don’t want to be dependent on the medicine or the support group. I just want to get better and get back to my world.

That's one of our goals, but the most important one is that you are healthy. I know it’s hard sitting still. You’re young, intelligent, and bursting with ideas. You'll get back to your work. We’re working diligently and carefully to get you there. But just focus on getting your strength back. We want you healthy; not just physically for work, but mentally and emotionally for yourself as well.

Thanks, Dr. Crane... for everything.

Phoenix had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus just before officially moving to Solace Point. All through her four years of undergrad, she suffered in silence while working toward her goals. Finally, after passing out at work, she was unable to mask the pain anymore. By the time she sought help, her pleas for answers to her constant and seemingly unprovoked agony was passed off as exaggeration and paranoia. She'd given up trying to figure out why it felt like she went to sleep twenty-one and woke up feeling like she'd aged sixty years.

Once she acquired her dream job, those pains were put on the back burner. Four Aleve a day, lots of aspirin, and countless heating pads served as the conduits for her home remedy. They barely did the trick, but barely was all she could ask for in her current predicament. So, she worked tirelessly, finding, and shooting compelling stories for her hometown’s local news station. It had been her dream; the one thing she always told her parents she would do.

Then, two months shy of a year ago, her brother-in-law insisted she come to Solace Point to see the renowned rheumatologist, Dr. Ian Crane. After one visit, several blood tests, and an MRI she was finally given the answer. Though not one she wanted to hear, knowing she had SLE relieved her of the looks of annoyance the doctors would give her or the many WebMD diagnosis she'd been giving herself. She was glad to finally know what changed her from vibrant and hard working to lackluster and fatigued. But the diagnosis was only a fraction of the battle. It seemed that once she knew what she was dealing with, the disease decided to just wreak havoc on her entire life. Dr. Crane had seen her through some of the worst times of her illness, and she was grateful because he was booked for months, but as a solid for his best friend, he added her to his patient list.

Alright, Phoenix. Kris will be in shortly to get some blood from you. We’ll need a urine sample too, Dr. Crane said as he rose to his feet.

Nodding in approval, she texted her big sister that her appointment was nearing its end. An exasperated sigh left her lungs the instant she was alone. Life had become predictable, and she detested every second of it. The last two years had been like living in a bubble with a 30-mile diameter. Doctors’ appointments, debriefings with her sister, and dates with her tear-stained pillows had become the only remnants of the life she once lived.

Though all these things were routine every four weeks, she never got used to any of it. The hairs on her forearm still raised from the chills she felt when she rolled her sleeve up to the elbow. Her body still tensed up as Kris placed the needle point to her skin. Her breath still sat in her throat until the tourniquet was removed.

Hey, Phoenix. How’s everybody?

Hi, Kris. Everybody’s fine. You know Big Sis is just as over-protective as she’s always been.

"Meeting her at Noir Tea x Nature afterward?"

You know it. Can you make sure Dr. Crane uploads my results into the patient portal? I know Travis is going to ask about them the second he sees me.

Sure thing. Make a fist for me, Kris responded as she tightened the tourniquet around Phoenix’s bicep.

Kris worked quickly to get Phoenix squared away. Phoenix stuffed her arms back inside the thin sweater that shielded her flesh from the piercing cold. No matter how many times she walked through the double doors of her doctor's office, she would never deem it her norm. It was an inconvenience that just so happened to come around every month for the past year. The second she was bandaged and handed over the urine cup; she hightailed it from the examination room. After finishing up in the bathroom and placing her cup in the designated collection basket, she stuffed her hands in the pockets of her jeans. Never even stopping at the check-out counter, she bolted through the door and commenced her scenic route to meet her sister for a quick lunch.

The rays of Solace Point’s high noon sun greeted Phoenix with a warm kiss to her frigid face. Despite the somber mood caused by visits to Solace General, mornings in this picturesque town made it impossible not to smile through the angst and pain. As she walked the seven blocks it took to reach Noir Tea x Nature, she greeted the shop owners as they pulled out their daily specials and fresh fruit bins. This part of Solace Point was a drastic change from the cold, fast-paced city she’d left behind. Everyone was so warm and inviting. They took their time showing people that they were genuinely happy to see them. They greeted each day with gratitude, wonder, and looked for new opportunities to give a little love to whoever might need it most.

The energy in the café was high, considering it was just after 8:30 in the morning. Phoenix cocked her head to the left as her eyes and smile fell on her big sister. Married life looked good on her. Not to mention she was able to fall off her sister’s radar for much of her adult life, thanks to her amazing brother-in-law and two adorable nieces. Now that they were school-aged, she had extra time on her hands, leaving her nothing but time, space and opportunity to pine over Phoenix and her disregard for her own health.

Baby Love, I missed you, she greeted Phoenix as she approached the table.

Rue Rabbit. Phoenix laughed as she threw her arms around her shorter, older sister.

It had been a few weeks since they were able to embrace each other. Soccer mom duties had Rue carting her children and a few of their teammates from practices to celebratory pizza parties. Worry instantly set into the pit of Rue’s stomach as Phoenix pulled away from their hug. Her body language screamed that she was weary and anxious.

Motioning with her arm, she ushered her little sister into the corner booth they occupied at least once a month. Rue scooted into the booth and pushed a steaming cup of hibiscus tea with agave nectar and a twinge of lemon toward Phoenix. For a second, joy twinkled in the inner corners of Phoenix’s eyes as she cupped the piping hot mug between her palms. The corners of her lips coiled into a faint smile as she took her first sip. The potent flavor of the steeped flower sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her body.

Mmmm. Now this is just what the doctor ordered. Phoenix exhaled as she sat her mug down after one more sip.

So, out with it. What did Ian say? I’ve been on pins and needles since your text. I’m already on my second chocolate square.

Nothing really new. He upped the strength of my meds and wants to see if that improves my pain and inflammation. Did you order any breakfast?

Was waiting for you.

For the remainder of the morning, the sisters enjoyed each other’s company. Laughing and reminiscing about the things that when happening meant so little, but now meant the most. They shared food, but above all else, they shared the burden of one sister’s affliction. Neither knew the why or even what they were truly supposed to learn from the storm that rocked Phoenix’s life just as it began, but they did know that through it all they would fight together. These mornings were the eye in their storm and not one second of them did they waste.

Breakfast swiftly turned into lunch as Phoenix and Rue laughed and talked in their corner nook. Many of the locals smiled upon the sisters. Though both were fairly new to the small town, everyone loved seeing them laughing like little schoolgirls. The joy that emitted from their corner was infectious, filling whoever laid eyes on them to the brim.

At five years her senior, Rue had always been a pillar to her little sister; this time was no different. Phoenix was her pride and joy before she birthed her own children. Following the unexpected death of their parents from a car accident, she was Phoenix’s confidant, comforter and provider. Every triumph they celebrated together and every tragedy they cried together. SLE was by far the hardest battle they’d ever faced, and they weren’t going to allow it to cloud their rose-colored lenses. Life was better when they fought it together, no matter how ugly it seemed to get for them.

Okay, Baby Love. Your nieces will be getting out of school shortly. I need to run a few errands before then. I love you to the moon and back.

I love you too. I’m gonna sit here for a while longer. I still haven’t gotten a chance to set up an office yet. So, Forge has been letting me set up my little workspace in the sanctuary garden free of charge. She’ll be in shortly to open up the space and bring me some of her kidney tea.

Haven’t had a chance or haven’t had the strength to do it? Rue’s raised eyebrow and lowered eyes narrowed in on her sister as she sat staring up at her.

Uh. A little of both, but I’ll get it done eventually. It’s not like I’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.

Trav and I will be over with the girls next weekend. Make a running list in our shared notes folder. Whatever you think you need or may need, whatever you need done. I want to feel my phone vibrating off the nightstand, and I mean it. You hear me?

Yes, Sister. Now go before you’re late picking up my road dogs.

Rue gave her sister’s hand a squeeze before walking off toward the counter. She knew the first thing her children would ask for once they got in the car was some of Forge’s fruit and floral roll ups. Turning to wave to her sister one last time, she smiled as Phoenix mouthed ‘thank you’ a split second before she was greeted by the hustling and bustling of the downtown Solace Point crowd.

Several hours had passed and Phoenix realized she spent the entire day at the café. Her gel pen lingered on the corner of her mouth as she glanced at the full pages that lie before her on the table. Work for her looked different these days. Whereas she spent her days resting her voice for the on-camera nightly news over 10,000 miles away, she was now scribbling 3,500-5,000 words for a local newspaper. Again, another kind gesture from her endearing brother-in-law. Closing her book, she stretched her aching limbs and surveyed the evening patrons of Noir.

CHAPTER TWO

Across the room, Blaise divided his attention between his group of associates and Phoenix. He was well aware of how rude it was to keep his eyes fixated on the same stranger for more than a few seconds. He also knew that choosing to direct attention to anyone other than the person that was talking to him was equally as rude. Both rules of etiquette were ingrained in him as a child and solidified during his college public speaking course. Yet, the sight of her caused him to abandon all he’d ever learned.

As the older white man went on and on about all the perks that came along with his job, Blaise studied the woman across the room. From the moment she emerged from the back of the café, he couldn’t focus his attention anywhere else. His intentions were ill-guided, as he departed from his original reason for welcoming the invitation for a night cap and debriefing of his first day touring the territory of his new position. Tucked off in the corner of the café like a radiant wall flower, she’d crossed his sight briefly as her pen scurried across the notebook she pressed her face into until she gathered her things and disappeared around a corner. Now, two hours later, she was back and had become the subject of his attention for the second time around.

Blaise wanted to be anywhere but the quaint little café on the corner. Though grateful for his new position and the change of scenery it warranted, he wanted to enjoy his last two weeks of a silent pager and empty home office. When he initially had the thought of moving early to get the lay of the land before he was actually due to begin his work, he didn’t factor networking into the plans this soon. Still, he was listening to future retirees gripe and moan about having fat pockets and no time to fuck it over on yacht parties and vacation homes in high flood areas. Despite the fact that many of them only had about five to six more good years in them and the remainder had their noses so far in the air he was sure their oxygen levels suffered, he graciously accepted the invite from his college friend and new boss.

His future plans required his anti-social nature to take a back seat until he had a little wiggle room. There were doors he needed opened and the men surrounding him were how he intended to get them ajar. The second he saw her, that changed. Now, he lingered long after the host had left, shifting the conversation to more pressing topics like the understaffed department that he was hired to oversee and the disparaging reality of quality healthcare.

Hours had passed and he divided his attention between the round table of doctors, nurses and medical professionals and her. She’d sat alone, nibbling, sipping, and writing for the better part of the evening. How long she’d been there was unknown to him, but how long she’d stay was all he cared to think about.

Excuse me, does she come here often, Blaise asked Forge as she walked by with a serving tray.

Often enough, Forge replied.

Her eyebrow raised slightly. This face was one she’d never seen before, and she pretty much knew nearly all the patrons of her corner café. The company he kept was also unknown to her and they stuck out like sore thumbs. Not too many white coats ventured into her space because of her promotion of natural remedies and cures, but he seemed to be more open. Phoenix was certain he had to be who many were gossiping about for the past few weeks. Living in a town like Solace Point made you forget just how big it was. Nothing took long to make its way through the rumor mill. From the dark corners of the hood to the well-lit courtyard of the gated community, nothing was sacred or secret. But that was a perk sometimes and knowing a little about all the inhabitants before ever meeting them came in handy. Newcomers, vacationers, or founding families; it didn’t matter, your existence in Solace Point never went under anyone’s radar.

Can you send her a cup of her favorite beverage, if she has one.

"She does. It’s the Lovely Blend. Comes in three sizes: petite, moyenne or grande. Who should I say it’s from?"

Just somebody who sees her, Blaise replied with a boyish grin.

Before Forge had a chance to walk away, he peeled off two crisp fifties and slid them in her hand. Never missing a beat, he returned to the conversation among his colleagues.

After personally brewing the cup of tea, Forge gathered the 3 satchels of specialty tea blends and headed over to Phoenix. They were fast friends. Since the first time Trav introduced the two, Forge had treated Phoenix like the younger sister she never had. She hated that Phoenix had fallen ill just at the prime of her life when everything seemed to be falling in place for her. It was a sucky situation for anybody, but she especially hated it for young black people because she knew how much medical professionals shrugged off their suffering and made it even worse.

Alright, Phoenix. Here’s a one-month supply of my special kidney fortifying blend, your lullaby blend, and this is something new I want you to try. It will give you a little energy boost and lift your spirits, Forge said as she approached the table.

One by one, she pulled the satchels from her apron and placed them on the table. A wide grin spread across her face before she sat the cup she balanced on a saucer down in front of Phoenix.

"And a piping hot cup of the one and only Lovely Blend courtesy of someone who sees you," Forge announced as she nodded in Blaise’s direction before walking off.

Phoenix’s eyes darted in the direction of Forge’s all but discreet head nod. Her cheeks rose to meet the corners of her eyes as she smiled at him when he lifted his glass. Returning the gesture, she toasted the air before raising the glass to her lips.

As she pressed her lips to the side of the hot mug, it was as if lightning had struck her right in the heart. It skipped a few beats, causing her to inhale the floral notes of the tea. The flavors combined with the electricity coursing through her body formed a culminating event she hadn’t had the pleasure of penciling into her schedule for the past eighteen months. Packing up her belongings, she did her due diligence and tidied up the space she’d occupied since emerging from the garden in the back.

Spending this much time away from the couch was foreign to her. She paid for it every time, but the buzzing of life that people-watching gave her was the only remedy she had for her anxiety and depression. It allowed her the opportunity to let her mind go to a place that didn’t involve remembering to log her symptoms or pop the various medications that kept her barely functioning at half capacity. With one hand tightly gripping the table’s edge and the other loosely on the faux leather cushion of the seat, she slid from the booth. Gathering all her belongings and the still hot ceramic mug, she proceeded to the counter.

Forge, can you prepare this to go? It’s getting late and I need to be heading back. I walked today.

Sure thing. You need a ride? I’ll be finished up in about 10 minutes.

No. I only walked from the hospital. I’m popping in to grab some dinner from Saxon’s and then just heading to my car. The stars are glorious tonight. Think I’ll go eat under them. Gotta get as much use out of this body when it’s acting right. Who knows when the next time I’ll feel remotely close to this good.

Casually, Phoenix leaned against the counter. Her elbows and forearms pressed against the pastry display case. Softly, her fingers strummed along the top of the case as she hummed the cadence of the soft music that filled the nearly empty café. Her eyes defied her head as she diverted them to the spot where her admirer stood talking to a small group of men. Relieved that he had turned his attention back to the company he was keeping, she allowed her gaze to linger.

Stars danced in her eyes and a foreign warmth spread throughout her fingertips as she surveyed him. His stance commanded attention. It was evident in the way his companions circled him. She was convinced his conversation was captivating because as his mouth moved, no eyes left him. Like they didn’t want to miss a word his lips formed.

Irritation set in the part of her chest that willed the air to reach her deflated lungs. The desire to see his face made her unable to consume the oxygen necessary to take her next breath and remain among the living. Frustrated with the inability to really watch him how she wanted to, she completely turned her body. Her back and buttocks pressed against the case holding the cold-pressed drinks as she twirled the piece of thread she pulled from her shirt between her fingers while she blatantly defied the manners her parents instilled in her. Choosing to stare at him until he felt the heat of her gaze made him turn in her direction, she smiled coyly once he flashed her a charming half smile.

Like what you see?

Phoenix jumped at the sound of Forge interrupting her journalistic observation. She did like what she saw. A man hadn’t crossed her mind since her fiancé bolted shortly after her first extended hospital stay. Now here she was allowing herself the privilege of a lustful gaze. He was a beautiful stranger, yet the budding in the recesses of her heart caused her mind to desire his acquaintance.

As she leaned against the counter, Phoenix talked to Forge until she finished her part of the closing duties. It was settled that she'd accompany Phoenix on her walk. There weren't many people either woman allowed in their space, but they connected almost instantly. Though fast friends, they were loyal and compassionate when it came to one another. It was only six months after her diagnosis that Phoenix decided to tell Forge the extent of her illness. And like the healing woman she was, Forge genuinely studied her books to come up with natural remedies to offset the side effects of Phoenix's prescribed medications.

You know it's 2022, right, Forge asked as she waved good night to her closing staff.

What? Two deep creases formed in Phoenix’s brow as confusion settled in.

If you see something...or someone you like, you should acknowledge it...or him. Her head discreetly leaned in the direction of the guy she'd spent the last twelve minutes and 32 seconds studying.

Ummm, no. There's no way I'm walking up to that man. He sent me a drink and gave me a wink. That T-pain shit don't work on me. Besides, I was born in the nineties, but ain't much of the 90s in this woman. I like being approached, courted, and romanced. All of that. You know, show me you want all this.

Phoenix used her hands to contour the curves of her body. Even with all the weight she'd lost and gained throughout her treatments, her body was still stacked. She was blessed with sickening measurements that made both men and women do a double take whenever she walked by them.

That man dropped $100 on your $6 cup of tea. If you knew like I knew, you'd step to him. But suit yourself, crazy girl.

Says the chick who was about to walk away from a damn good man over some petty ass backroom land deal. You watched enough movies to know that the money-hungry mayor never wins in the end. So you, my kettle-like friend, cannot call me the pot.

But I wised up, and you should too. He’s nice to look at, probably nice at other things too.

Phoenix laughed as they made their way to the exit. Waving good night to the closing staff, they entered the town square. This time of year in Solace Point was always full of wonder. The extra hours of sunlight allowed stores to stay open later. There seemed to always be something or someone to celebrate. She could always count on randomly stumbling into some seasonal festival or local event during her walks.

You were going to leave without giving me the courtesy of a thank you? Blaise asked as he stood in the middle of the sidewalk.

Phoenix and Forge stopped in their tracks. Phoenix’s eye cut to the right as she furrowed her brows in Forge’s direction. She wasn’t pleased with the snicker that left Forge’s vocals and she made sure she knew it with a quick elbow to the side.

Thank you, Phoenix smiled as she turned on her heels.

Her eyes damn near bulged from their sockets as she got to take all of him in for the first time. Her gaze fell on him like he was a lost work of art. From his toes to the crown of his head, she surveyed every inch of his body. He was sexy. Beautiful even.

With abstract scars and lifelines adorning his otherwise perfectly smooth skin he was indeed worthy of a Bucksbaum award. He'd lived. It was evident in his scowl and the way his head sat high and his chest protruded a little past his shoulder. He wasn't arrogant, yet completely aware of the entrancing effect his presence had on his companions. The way words casually danced from his vocals and brushed across her ears was intoxicating. She could feel every word he spoke before they even reached her auricle.

I wanted to leave my colleagues and join you in your little corner, but that would have been rude of me. Plus, you seemed engrossed in your alone time, didn't want to barge in on your solitude. After all, first impressions are everything, he said stepping forward.

They are everything until they're nothing.

Ouch. Blaise cringed as he took a step back.

Phoenix stepped forward as she held up her hand in an effort to wave the white flag. She didn't mean to come off so harsh. In all actuality, she felt out of place. Actively dating was something she hadn't done in a long while and she was evidently rusty. In her mind, she wanted him to know his gesture was appreciated and that he did make a nice first impression. She wanted to tell him that his joining her would have been a welcomed distraction from the bore of piece she was writing on the mayor's plans to build a throughway straight through ‘The Junction,’ Solace Point’s ghetto. But instead, her words were callous, sharp and dismissive.

"I didn't mean it that way. As a woman who deals in words all